CM Sandro (LionChess), pursuing FM title & coaching, shares chess journey. Focuses on intense puzzle habit, unique coaching approach with levels based on learning. Emphasizes small habits, deep calculation in puzzles, and balancing competitive & casual play. Discusses coaching beginner & intermediate players with structured levels to aid improvement.
Consistent practice of 5 puzzles and a rapid game daily aids in steady improvement.
Having a coach guides learning focus, preventing inefficient study habits.
Translating theoretical knowledge into practical chess games enhances understanding and skill development.
Deep dives
Consistent Practicing as the Key to Improvement
Consistency is emphasized as the most crucial aspect of an adult improver's journey to mastery. Setting a minimum commitment, such as five puzzles and a rapid game per day, provides a structured routine for steady progress.
Structured Coaching for Targeted Progress
Coaching is highlighted as a valuable shortcut in the improvement journey. A coach's guidance can provide specific direction on what and how much to learn, helping avoid unnecessary or unfocused study habits.
Building Understanding Through Practical Application
Internalizing knowledge through practice and application is stressed as a critical step in improving. Watching one video and then translating that knowledge into practical chess games is recommended over consuming a vast array of content.
Balancing Emotional Momentum with Consistency
Managing emotional highs and lows in the improvement journey is discussed. Avoiding overcommitment on inspired days and sticking to consistency even on challenging days ensures steady progress.
Setting Clear Levels and Practices for Progress
Implementing a structured level-based approach to learning, similar to video game progression, is suggested. Breaking down the game into stages and focusing on mastering each level gradually can provide tangible milestones for improvement.
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with CM Sandro, otherwise known as LionChess. We focused on his chess journey, pursuing the FM title, and his coaching journey. Sandro credits most of his improvement to the small habit of 5 intense puzzles a day and one rapid game. Especially intriguing is his coaching approach which involves levels based on learning that are not tied to rating gain.